Ten years ago, the story of Tala, the world’s first fintech company for the Global Majority, started with a woman. Its founder and CEO, Shivani Siroya, envisioned increasing access to financial services through innovative solutions for the financially underserved population. Now, Tala has reached 10 million customers across three continents, disbursing over $6 billion in credit and advancing financial inclusion for all.
At Tala Philippines, 77 percent of leadership positions are held by women, and more than half of the total employees are female. This International Women’s Month, Tala celebrates its initiatives to support the women in its workforce and honor their valuable role as agents of change for Filipino consumers.
Tala Philippines President and Head of Finance Charisse Alvarez leads with both strength and understanding. Shaped by her experiences as a woman, her approach to leadership is characterized by adaptability, resilience, and empathy.
“I believe in fostering a culture where people feel empowered to contribute and take ownership of their growth. I do this by ensuring that every voice is heard, and I also make a conscious effort to mentor and uplift others, especially women in finance,” she said. This collaborative leadership style is supported by Tala Philippines’ comprehensive benefits program, which is designed to address the diverse needs of its employees.
As a solo parent and primary provider for her family, Carissa Sta. Ana is grateful for the remote-first work setup at Tala that enables her to fulfill her responsibilities as a Customer Care Advocate, while actively guiding her son’s growth.
“The guilt of not doing enough lingers, and without a strong support system, the journey can feel isolating. Balancing career ambitions with parenting is a daily struggle, but despite it all, I stand strong—not as a struggling parent, but as a fighter, a provider, and a protector,” she adds.
To ensure the well-being of its employees, Tala provides access to free teleconsultations for mental, financial, and physical wellness, learning and development programs, 32 days of paid time off annually, and HMO coverage from Day 1, among others. More importantly, it maintains gender pay equity, ensuring there is no significant gender pay gap across departments and levels within the organization.
“Truly embracing gender equality means taking action—ensuring equal opportunities, calling out gaps, and fostering a culture where diverse perspectives thrive, ultimately leaving the company better off,” said Moritz Gastl, General Manager of Tala Philippines. “Organizational leaders play a key role by advocating for inclusive policies, amplifying women’s voices, and challenging biases.”
By championing inclusivity, Tala is able to create a safe space for employees to express their true selves and thrive in the professional setting.
“In my 6 years of working at Tala, I have always been treated equally. I don’t feel left out just because I am part of the LGBTQ community. I’ve grown here, and I always feel safe no matter who I’m talking to,” said Robin Costa, Fraud Analyst. “Oftentimes, stereotypes about the skills and professionalism of LGBTQ+ individuals can affect how they are seen and treated at work, but here, I have never felt like I don’t belong.”
It also has policies in place that are dedicated to providing a respectful workplace with zero tolerance to discrimination and harassment and with equal employment opportunities. Raven Herrera, Senior Customer Recoveries Advocate and a proud transwoman, shared an incident where her identity was questioned and how Tala responded to the untoward incident.
“I had a sync-in session with the HR department, and they immediately took initial action on their side. I truly appreciate the people who support us and who are here for us to listen, help, and provide guidance,” she added. “I appreciate our company for providing us with a safe space. Even small things like this can create a significant positive impact on our lives and many more.”
#AcceleratingAction
Tala Philippines, with its mission to bridge the gaps in financial inclusion in the country by increasing access to financial services, celebrates International Women’s Month by fostering equality in the workplace and positively impacting the lives of women through its financial services. Initiatives like TALAkayan with Salve Duplito, a financial literacy workshop conducted among various sectors of society including mothers and women entrepreneurs, enables Tala to reach more Filipinas and provide them the opportunity to enhance their financial health and ultimately improve their family’s future.
Learn more about Tala Philippines and its trusted financial services by visiting tala.ph and downloading the official Tala app.
